Fox Sports Detroit's weekly 'Wingspan' to spotlight Griffins

After more than a decade of covering the Detroit Red Wings, the crew at Fox Sports Detroit has grown accustomed to traveling around the U.S. and Canada.

Making the road trip to Grand Rapids, however, is a somewhat rarer occurrence.

But a four-person team from FSD made the 2 1/2-hour trek to West Michigan in mid-November to tape footage of the Grand Rapids Griffins for an upcoming episode of "Wingspan," the network's weekly show that spotlights in the Red Wings. Or, in this case, their American Hockey League affiliate.

The show will feature a behind-the-scenes look at the Griffins organization, and include interviews with players, staff and fans. Features include:

How Detroit's front office ensures that the prospects in Grand Rapids learn how to do things the "Red Wings way."

How Griffins general manager Bob McNamara and coach Curt Fraser interact with their counterparts in Detroit.

Current prospects who could play with the Red Wings later this season, such as defenseman Jakub Kindl and center Cory Emmerton.

Interviews with former Griffins currently playing for the Red Wings on what their experience in Grand Rapids was like.

It's the kind of episode that can help Red Wings fans learn more about their organization outside of those who skate at Joe Louis Arena, "Wingspan" host Trevor Thompson said.

Thompson and the crew caught the Griffins' Nov. 13 game against Milwaukee at Van Andel Arena.

"A lot of people are aware of the players in Grand Rapids, so this is a good tie-in for fans," he said. "It's cool to go down and see them and how they're doing."

Thompson said FSD tries to get to Grand Rapids at least once or twice a season. He said the players usually enjoy such things as being mic'd up for practice because it makes them feel like they're one step closer to the NHL.

"I remember one time we did a piece on Jiri Hudler, and he was excited to be a part of it," Thompson said. "I think they feel like they're a part of the organization, almost like they're a Red Wing in a sense."

One feature that will be missing from this episode of "Wingspan" is the "Trevor Takes On" segment, in which he challenges players to various hockey-themed contests.

Thompson grew up playing hockey about an hour outside Detroit in Ontario and still plays four nights a week. As a result, he probably raised the eyebrows of a few Red Wings with his ability to hold his own on the ice -- relatively speaking.

Channel chatterReplay time: WBBL-FM (107.3) is providing full replays of the state football championships won by Lowell and East Grand Rapids last weekend online at wbbl.com. The broadcasts are available in the radio station's podcast section and will be available for download through next week.

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